tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84977361678503495392019-03-01T10:35:03.558+01:00Paul Grech: WriterInteresting and entertaining stories well told.Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-1817989032404132902019-02-10T07:43:00.000+01:002019-02-10T07:43:37.495+01:00Twitter Feedback: January 2019<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Really good article. <a href="https://t.co/kQWIIc0hNS">https://t.co/kQWIIc0hNS</a></p>&mdash; Vishal (@Ebaah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ebaah/status/1081518656956162048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It&#39;s a fascinating read 👏👏👏</p>&mdash; The Shamrock Magazine☘️ (@TheShamrock1888) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheShamrock1888/status/1081519691682795522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s the second of our fanzine archive posts today. Roberto Baggio: Genius, magician, deity. But was his legacy tainted by that famous penalty miss in the WC final of 1994? .<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> on the career of Il Divin Codino. <a href="https://t.co/r27TBWkKW7">https://t.co/r27TBWkKW7</a></p>&mdash; The Football Pink (@TheFootballPink) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFootballPink/status/1090592921819205632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-90810465663375386832019-01-01T09:06:00.000+01:002019-01-01T09:06:09.456+01:00Best Football Books of the Year 2018Popular American comedian and TV star Groucho Marx once famously said, “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Although witty, the core message of Marx’s statement has been proven right time and again with millions around the world influenced by the power of words and learning more about life through books. The world of football has been no different with 2018 being another great year for football books. The interest around all aspects of the game has shown no signs of declining. Choosing some of the top books for the year is no easy task but we’ve given it a shot.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>The rest of this article can be read on <a href="https://footyanalyst.com/best-football-books-of-the-year-2018/">Footy Analyst</a>.</i></b>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-29208979413729434442019-01-01T09:03:00.000+01:002019-01-01T09:03:04.935+01:00Twitter Feedback: September to December 2018<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Finished devouring latest <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFootballPink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheFootballPink</a> . Stunning publication; superb issue. Wonderful pieces include those by <a href="https://twitter.com/Franco92C14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Franco92C14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/clockend5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@clockend5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_The_Met?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Matt_The_Met</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gerrytastic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gerrytastic</a> and @PopularSideZine <br><br>My personal favourite was <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> looking back at Roberto Baggio’s USA ‘94 heartbreak. <a href="https://t.co/ZgVfjmXglh">pic.twitter.com/ZgVfjmXglh</a></p>&mdash; tmb317 (@tmb317) <a href="https://twitter.com/tmb317/status/996823668851462146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Issue 10 is out soon. <br>Not a subscriber? Then you can pre-order here 👉 <a href="https://t.co/ielD26VTZv">https://t.co/ielD26VTZv</a> <br>Read the full contents here 👉 <a href="https://t.co/xXt1D8gA6x">https://t.co/xXt1D8gA6x</a> <br><br>Includes Paul Grech on game intelligence, and how to develop it. <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> <a href="https://t.co/9DT1ImyUrY">pic.twitter.com/9DT1ImyUrY</a></p>&mdash; NutmegMagazine (@NutmegMagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/NutmegMagazine/status/1067384793103355904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NPLH 3 | POLITICS<br><br>Il Duce&#39;s Way: Mussolini&#39;s Transformation of Italian Football and the Search for a National Identity<br><br>Words by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paul_Grech</a><br><br>Artwork by <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnGillard19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@johngillard19</a> with @the_sporting_press on drums. <br>Available now in dwindling numbers. Link in bio<br><br>… <a href="https://t.co/eLQF4Vi3dU">https://t.co/eLQF4Vi3dU</a> <a href="https://t.co/A5Omsu34z3">pic.twitter.com/A5Omsu34z3</a></p>&mdash; No Place Like Home (@NPLHMAG) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPLHMAG/status/1072486587949289472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#39;Best Football Books of the Year 2018&#39;<br><br>✍ <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/analyst_footy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@analyst_footy</a> <a href="https://t.co/SE5EWR51oU">https://t.co/SE5EWR51oU</a> <a href="https://t.co/aowVS6cg1u">pic.twitter.com/aowVS6cg1u</a></p>&mdash; Voicing Football (@VoicingFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoicingFootball/status/1079722589977604099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-33920908165254264342018-08-31T20:47:00.000+02:002018-09-03T20:49:03.627+02:00Twitter Feedback: August 2018<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It has gone under the radar with all Milan&#39;s transfer excitement this summer, but remember that wonderkid called Hachim Mastour? Well Milan have released him and he is now a free agent. <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> with the story of a fenomeno crowned too soon 🤴🏻🔴⚫<a href="https://t.co/iB183hnxQL">https://t.co/iB183hnxQL</a></p>&mdash; The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/1028004572118351874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great read <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a></p>&mdash; Harry Collins (@HarryCollins9) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarryCollins9/status/1030088782928928768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great read. <a href="https://t.co/hOrFbW08Hq">https://t.co/hOrFbW08Hq</a></p>&mdash; Unfitforpurpose (@unfitforpurpose) <a href="https://twitter.com/unfitforpurpose/status/1030033420292972549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Any idea where he’s headed for this season? I hope he’s put some of that Milan money away so he can keep playing wherever he gets a chance.</p>&mdash; Andrew Stephenson (@CoachAndrewLSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachAndrewLSC/status/1030038917033156608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📝| Monchi was the man who brought a brilliant crop of players <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SevillaFC_ENG</a> : Dani Alves, Federico Fazio, Martin Cáceres, Adriano, Rakitic, Seydou Keita &amp; Christian Poulsen.<br><br>With Monchi onboard <a href="https://twitter.com/ASRomaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASRomaEN</a> are building for future. Here is a piece by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Roma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Roma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Monchi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Monchi</a> <a href="https://t.co/8XqHZehTGU">https://t.co/8XqHZehTGU</a></p>&mdash; SanKen (@sanken10) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanken10/status/1030714183506178048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LONGTERM VISION THE BLUEPRINT TO AS ROMA&#39;S SUCCESS<br><br>✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/analyst_footy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@analyst_footy</a><a href="https://t.co/sqDPf7UfRN">https://t.co/sqDPf7UfRN</a></p>&mdash; Soccerlit (@soccerlit) <a href="https://twitter.com/soccerlit/status/1031111528945090560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-91780001428885063832018-08-30T20:54:00.000+02:002018-09-03T20:56:02.181+02:00Unexpected Feedback from High UpI was pretty happy with <a href="https://footyanalyst.com/long-term-vision-the-blueprint-for-as-romas-success/">this piece</a> I wrote on AS Roma and thought that it was a quite insightful look at their strategy. I hoped people would like it but you can never really tell in advance.<br /><br />What I certainly never expected was to receive an e-mail from Jim [James] Pallotta*, Roma's billionaire owner to write to me telling me he appreciated the analysis, where he felt I was off and in general mentioning other areas that they were working on. Still astounded, to be honest.<br /><br />* Yes, it really is him. I checked.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5niMflyeYI/W42DWF8GfPI/AAAAAAAAEBA/8k4WjyrsMv03fgc-WtD-AaYOOIHmBmldQCLcBGAs/s1600/40337302_2143848885874526_1387763590433341440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="960" height="140" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5niMflyeYI/W42DWF8GfPI/AAAAAAAAEBA/8k4WjyrsMv03fgc-WtD-AaYOOIHmBmldQCLcBGAs/s400/40337302_2143848885874526_1387763590433341440_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-48849499316546098222018-08-18T20:50:00.000+02:002018-09-03T20:51:34.652+02:00Long Term Vision the blueprint for AS Roma’s successWhen the American billionaire of Italian origin, James Pallotta, purchased AS Roma in 2014, he tried to say the right thing: how he had been falling in love with the club he had part-owned and stressing his desire to do well. And yet, for all his visible ambition, he very skillfully avoided making any concrete promises about the vision of AS Roma. Perhaps he had seen other rich American businessmen be attracted by the European game only to be shunned when it turned out that their pockets weren’t as deep as the fans had hoped. Those experiences highlighted the need to rein in expectations so that he could better deliver his vision.<br /><br /><i><b>The rest of the article can be found on <a href="https://footyanalyst.com/long-term-vision-the-blueprint-for-as-romas-success/">Footy Analyst</a>.</b></i>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-4838979731013863212018-07-17T15:05:00.000+02:002018-08-05T15:06:14.478+02:00How Futsal is shaping modern day footballersOne of the more lasting stereotypes in world football relates to Brazilian players and how they come to develop the skills that are a hallmark of their game.&nbsp; Many still believe that Brazilian boys spend most of the day playing on sandy beaches or the narrow streets of the favelas and it is there that their ability to command the ball to do their bidding comes from.<br /><br /><b><i>The rest of this article can be found on <a href="https://footyanalyst.com/how-futsal-is-shaping-modern-day-footballers/">Footy Analyst</a>.</i></b>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-58934098952148739672018-07-03T20:58:00.000+02:002018-07-03T21:00:35.866+02:00Don’t panic: The story of Juventus and mastering transition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msHm2uFlprk/WzvGarU-hLI/AAAAAAAAEAw/xpUkYhGTp-0gsrUMRZLjYPqwVi1oGbsQQCLcBGAs/s1600/juve-illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msHm2uFlprk/WzvGarU-hLI/AAAAAAAAEAw/xpUkYhGTp-0gsrUMRZLjYPqwVi1oGbsQQCLcBGAs/s400/juve-illustration.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Pogba leaving Juventus at the peak of his powers defined the club’s biggest achilles heel over the last decade. And yet, it didn’t put a brake on their progress as a team. Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/dasgupta_revant">Revant Dasgupta</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>When rumours of the manager Juventus had chosen as the Antonio Conte’s replacement first started to emerge, they were written off as ridiculous.<br /><br />The fiery former midfielder had brought success back to Juventus, winning three consecutive league titles in as many seasons as managers.&nbsp; So when he left the club was once again the leading one in Italy, status which allowed it the privilege to choose any top manager they wanted to replace him.<br /><br />Which is what made the eventual choice of Massimiliano Allegri such an apparently ludicrous appointment.&nbsp; True, he had led AC Milan to a league title yet eventually he had become a figure of ridicule there. By the time he left, he was criticised for everything from his tactical inflexibility to the way in which he spoke.<br /><br />His reputation lay in tatters.&nbsp; And yet, contrary to most, Juventus saw something in him.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Time has proven them right.&nbsp; In his four years at the club, Allegri has led the club to almost complete dominance of Italian football with four domestic doubles in as many seasons.&nbsp; More than that, he also led them to two Champions League finals and, even though both of these were lost, the fact that they managed to get so far in a competition in which they had made so little headway under Conte is telling.<br /><br />Equally as telling is the fact that it had taken Juventus just twenty four hours from Conte’s resignation to make the appointment.&nbsp; This was not just some lucky punt but rather the result of careful and diligent contingency planning that allows the club to be one step ahead of the rest of the game.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Most of Juventus’ football blueprint is drawn up and handled by Giuseppe Marotta.&nbsp; His has been a long journey that started out as a ball-boy with his local side Varese.&nbsp; It was there that he got his first opportunities in the engine room of a football club where he went from handling the team’s kit to becoming their general manager by the time he was twenty two.<br /><br />Marotta stayed at Varese for five years, getting them to the Serie B in his first season, before embarking on a career that saw him continuously prove his worth at Monza, Como, Ravenna, Venezia, Atalanta and Sampdoria.<br /><br />At each of these clubs Marotta excelled, showing an impressive ability to spot players and negotiate favourable deals.&nbsp; It was in Genoa with Sampdoria, however, that this talent began to achieve notoriety. He took the club over after their worst ever season and left them after they qualified for the Champions League.<br /><br />In May of 2010 Andrea Agnelli had been elected as Juventus’ club chairman and, having seen the club finish in seventh place – their worst ever finish since the Calciopoli scandal – he recognised the need to make some big changes.<br /><br />Marotta’s success at Sampdoria marked him out as the obvious choice to handle Juventus’ transfer strategy and so he became one of Agnelli’s first appointees.&nbsp; It wasn’t simply his ability to get talented players on the cheap but also the capacity to bring together a team of individuals who were willing to work hard for each other.<br /><br />He didn’t simply look at footballing ability (although, naturally, this was important) but also at the characters of his players.&nbsp; If one were to look at a thread throughout his career up till that point, then that would have been it.<br /><br />At Venezia for instance, he had brought in young players but partnered them with experienced ones.&nbsp; The latter were still determined to succeed, for one last big achievement, and as such acted as the ideal mentors to the younger players who had the potential but not the experience.&nbsp; The result was a perfectly balanced side.<br /><br />It was a formula that he maintained wherever he went and, although financial limitations often forced him to sell the better players as soon as they started to prove their potential, he had always managed to overcome those moments.<br /><br />It was that ability that Juventus wanted him to bring to their club.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Back in 2010 the bulk of Juventus’ efforts were concentrated on the construction of their own stadium; then as now a novel venture in Italy.&nbsp; The financing of the Juventus Stadium (since renamed into Allianz Stadium) dominated thoughts and budgets which meant that there wasn’t a huge amount to spend on players.<br /><br />Still results had to improve and, as ever, Marotta started with a new manager.&nbsp; It might seem like an obvious choice now but at the time Antonio Conte was very much an unproven quantity.&nbsp; He had led to sides to promotion from the Serie B (Bari and Siena) but his only previous experience in the Serie A had ended in an early dismissal from Atalanta.<br /><br />Yet Juventus realised that he was the right man for them not only because he had shown the right mastery of tactics but because of his passion.&nbsp; They knew that there was more ability in the team than results had shown. What was needed was someone who could push the players hard enough to prove that.<br /><br />Conte could provide that.&nbsp; “Juventus plays like a regional outfit,” he said during his interview for the job.&nbsp; “Opponents are allowed to control midfield. Instead, when a team comes to Torino they need to be frightened before even getting on the pitch.&nbsp; I remember when I came to play here for the first time with Lecce. I was still very young but my legs were trembling!”<br /><br />“A big club needs to make the most of this and aggressively attack the opposition.&nbsp; Instead they wait to counter, like smaller clubs do. This is not good, you need to dictate the pace, you have to dominate the game, take control of midfield, you need to put them under pressure and let them understand that there’s little they can do, both at home and away!”<br /><br />The team also needed strengthening in key areas and here is where Marotta’s value came in.&nbsp; His biggest investments were reserved for striker Mirko Vucini (€15 million from Roma) and wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner (€10 million from Lazio) but his biggest hits of that summer were reserved for midfield.<br /><br />He swept in for Arturo Vidal, then at Bayer Leverkusen, before the rest of Europe had realised just how good he was.&nbsp; And then he picked up a player that AC Milan had deemed no longer good enough: Andrea Pirlo.<br /><br />The latter, in particular, proved to be a spectacular decision and not only because they had gotten such a talented player for free.&nbsp; Conte structured his team around Pirlo who, reinvigorated by Milan’s rejection, went on to confirm himself once more as one of the finest midfielders in Europe.<br /><br />Those few changes were all that were needed to transform Juventus into the dominant side in the league.&nbsp; As Conte also told Agnelli before taking the job “Juventus needs players who are hungry to win, who are willing to give everything for this project.&nbsp; Names are not important.”<br /><br />**<br /><br />Results have proven that strategy to be the right one.&nbsp; Over each of the past three summers, Juventus have sold one of their most prominent players (Vidal to Bayern Munich in 2015, Paul Pogba to Manchester United in 2016 and Leonardo Bonucci in 2017) without needing to spend huge amounts to replacement.&nbsp; Significantly, they’ve also managed to avoid impacting results.<br /><br />That they’ve done so is down to how they work; their underlying philosophy.&nbsp; &nbsp; “I think that money is not the only way to get results,” Marotta has said in an interview.&nbsp; “In fact I believe that it is necessary that there’s exceptional competence within the organisation, a great management team and above everything a feeling of belonging that is determined by the club.”<br /><br />What Juventus seem to be able to do better than anyone else is lay down a long term vision.&nbsp; That of central defence is a case in point. Ever since joining from Fiorentina in 2005, Giorgio Chiellini has been phenomenal; an incredibly talented defender but also a leader and a motivation to those around him.<br /><br />Yet for all his various abilities, he isn’t going to be around forever.&nbsp; Most clubs would wait for his level of performance to start dipping before making their move.&nbsp; Not Juventus, however. In January of 2017, they announced the signing of Mattia Caldara.<br /><br />The young defender was one of the stars of the Atalanta side that was enjoying an impressive season and which eventually would qualify to the Europa League.&nbsp; Juventus managed to sign him not because they were willing to pay more money than others but because they offered Atalanta the better package. They knew that they were well covered at that point in the centre of defence so they allowed Atalanta to retain the player for a further eighteen months.<br /><br />So, starting from next season when Chiellini will be nearing his 34th birthday, Juventus will be able to count on a new defender who has excelled in the Serie A for two seasons displaying good ball playing skills, positional excellence and leadership qualities.&nbsp; There is no such thing as a guaranteed fit but Caldara has all the abilities to succeed.<br /><br />If he does, it will be another example of Juventus’ ability to monitor the market, identify players who will be able to fill a gap that will emerge down the line and then moving to ensure that they get that player.&nbsp; It does not always work, but it works often enough and is significantly better than what other sides are doing.<br /><br />That is how Juventus work.&nbsp; They spot players early and make bets.&nbsp; This season they had more than forty players out on loan, most of which will never get close to making it to the Juventus first team squad.&nbsp; It doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that these are good enough to play for smaller teams thus acting as a perfect makeweight when any potential transfer is on the table.<br /><br />Over recent years, Juventus have also started loaning players across Europe.&nbsp; This too is part of a longer term strategy where they build semi-official relationships with clubs like Wattens in Austria or Den Bosch in Holland.&nbsp; These clubs are under no obligation to sell any players to Juventus but if they uncover someone special then the Italians are likely to have a special place ahead of the queue.<br /><br />All of this is part of a highly efficient machine that can handle the departure of any players thanks to their ability to anticipate the market.&nbsp; That way when the value of someone like Vidal or Pogba reaches astronomical revenues, Juventus can cash in.<br /><br />**<br /><br />The coming summer will be a big one for Juventus.&nbsp; Yet again they have won a league and cup double – their fourth in as many years – yet the feeling is that such local dominance is no longer enough.&nbsp; Rumours are that Allegri will be leaving and the reality is that whilst grateful for what he has achieved many fans will not miss his somewhat conservative tactics.<br /><br />The most common sentiment is that the time has come for Juventus to go for a modern European coach who is not afraid to attack and press hard when facing the continent’s better teams.&nbsp; Similarly, if Juventus seriously want to compete against the likes of Real Madrid then they need to start paying the kind of money that the Spanish giants pay in order to get highest quality players.&nbsp; The argument here is that whilst Juventus did manage to reach two Champions League finals they went to each one as genuine outsiders rather than worthy contenders because they are truly among the European elite.&nbsp; Spending money would change that.<br /><br />Whether Marotta and the rest of the Juventus administration share that belief is doubtful.&nbsp; “When we started working in 2010 we’d have gladly accepted making it to the quarter finals,” he said in 2013 after defeat to Bayern Munich.&nbsp; “It was an important experience for us and for that we have to thank everyone within the club but particularly Antonio Conte and all the team.&nbsp; Unfortunately at the moment there is a gap between Italian football and the rest of Europe. You only have to look at Bayern who have double the revenue of all our clubs.&nbsp; For us, in this moment, it is impossible to buy players who cost €40 million. We know that we need to grow and improve, we will work toward this.”<br /><br />In the meantime, they have been planning their team in their traditional manner.&nbsp; Emre Can will be arriving in the summer and his will be the latest signing according to the Juventus blueprint: young yet hugely experienced; technically proficient but also capable of significant improvement.&nbsp; Best of all, he will be joining on a free.<br /><br />And yet, that might seem to be the source of the problem.&nbsp; For years the investment in the new stadium was seen as the main reason for Juventus’ reticence to paying big money but given the financial success of that particular investment it is a reason that no longer convinces.<br /><br />The big challenge, then, is for them to marry the strategy that has been successful in the past with one that can convince the fans that the club not only has the ambition to look beyond the Italian borders but is also willing to spend the money to back this up.&nbsp; <br /><br />The state of the Italian league is also an issue.&nbsp; This season Napoli provided Juventus with their sternest challenge yet but apart from the top three teams the league is a very weak one.&nbsp; The fallout from this is Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia but, also, the lack of local talent that is available for Juventus to buy.<br /><br />Juventus traditionally provide the backbone of the Azzurri and it is to them that national team coaches tend to look.&nbsp; This puts them in something of a bind: do they honour this responsibility by trying to focus on local players even if these do not have the experience that is needed for Juventus to excel in Europe?<br /><br />For the fans, there is no doubt: they want those players that will allow them to challenge the likes of Real Madrid.&nbsp; They look at players like Stefano Sturaro and see in him someone who is willing yet not good enough. And yet Sturaro, a regular for Italy, is arguably one of the better defenders in Italy.<br /><br />Marotta and Juventus’ instincts will always be to look within Italy first.&nbsp; That is where their name carries most strength and where they can get the best deals.&nbsp; But if they want to reach the level to which they – and their fans – aspire to, that no longer seems to be enough.&nbsp; Their strategy so far has resulted in unparallelled local&nbsp;success. Yet it needs to evolve for them to move forward.<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.footballparadise.com/juventus-rebuild-transition/">This article originally appeared on Football Paradise on the 13th of June 2018.</a></i></b>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-34065175502945391672018-07-03T20:49:00.003+02:002018-07-03T20:49:57.941+02:00A Literary World CupThe World Cup is just around the corner which means four weeks of seriously good football. This has, of course, seen an increase in the number of books that discuss the World Cup. Which essentially means I’m in my element and eager to share my discoveries.<br /><br /><b><i>The rest of this article was featured on the <a href="https://merlinpublishers.com/guest-post-a-literary-world-cup/">Merlin Publishers' site</a>.</i></b>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-34779231940327776462018-07-03T20:46:00.001+02:002018-07-03T20:46:12.448+02:00Twitter Feedback: April to June 2018<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very cool looking spread in the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/PicklesMagazine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PicklesMagazine</a> illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/edsonlovatto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edsonlovatto</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/football?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/design?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#design</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/illustration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#illustration</a> <a href="https://t.co/yWHeIKIITz">pic.twitter.com/yWHeIKIITz</a></p>&mdash; Martha&#39;s Darkroom (@MarthasDarkroom) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarthasDarkroom/status/984394810856439808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Issue 20 includes: 1994 | Divinity Lost - Shirt untucked; head bowed; penalty skied. .<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> looks at how one cruel moment of misfortune has unfairly tainted the legacy of Roberto Baggio. Pre-order now. <a href="https://t.co/xNll5flV3d">https://t.co/xNll5flV3d</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bahAleTsx">pic.twitter.com/5bahAleTsx</a></p>&mdash; The Football Pink (@TheFootballPink) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFootballPink/status/991401275102294028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#39;Calcio&#39; by <a href="https://twitter.com/footymac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@footymac</a> is the most comprehensive history of Italian football out there. Then there&#39;s:<br><br>- A Season with Verona<br>- The Miracle of Castel di Sangro<br>- Erbstein (<a href="https://twitter.com/theinsidelefty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theinsidelefty</a>)<br>- The Italian Job (<a href="https://twitter.com/Marcotti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Marcotti</a> &amp; Vialli)<br><br>And worth checking e-books by <a href="https://twitter.com/ginkers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ginkers</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a></p>&mdash; The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/996297298941497344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/paulmcparlan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paulmcparlan</a> reviews: Il Re Calcio II by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> <a href="https://t.co/i1tTALTZmC">https://t.co/i1tTALTZmC</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFootballPink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheFootballPink</a></p>&mdash; The Football Pink (@TheFootballPink) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFootballPink/status/997083724431929344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great read Paul</p>&mdash; iHyypia (@iHyypia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iHyypia/status/1010956680522289153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/illustration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#illustration</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/Football_P?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Football_P</a> accompanying a very interesting article about Juventus and its history of transfers by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> <a href="https://t.co/dLbaOjmmBL">https://t.co/dLbaOjmmBL</a></p>&mdash; Revant Dasgupta (@dasgupta_revant) <a href="https://twitter.com/dasgupta_revant/status/1012373273072398337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-81050794071266046812018-04-07T07:47:00.000+02:002018-04-07T07:47:06.462+02:00Twitter Feedback: March 2018<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewOnFP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewOnFP</a>:<br><br>Luis Alberto – From Doubt at Liverpool to Deliverance at Lazio by .<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a>.<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/O0U170p9Ww">https://t.co/O0U170p9Ww</a></p>&mdash; Football Paradise (@Football_P) <a href="https://twitter.com/Football_P/status/938918983780020224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We&#39;d also like to point you in the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a>&#39;s new e-book - Il Re Calcio (Volume II).<br><br>The collection of 10 short stories, each of iconic players from Italian football history, is available below and is a thoroughly enjoyable read.<a href="https://t.co/vfXeFeS1oB">https://t.co/vfXeFeS1oB</a></p>&mdash; The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/950682827699490816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have to admit, I was well &amp; truly caught up in the hype. I remember showing the YouTube clips to my dad, telling him it was only a matter of time before he&#39;d be making a mockery of Serie A defences for Milan<br><br>Great piece by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> on the forgotten fenomeno, Hachim Mastour <a href="https://t.co/n8dcIVn46e">https://t.co/n8dcIVn46e</a></p>&mdash; Luca Hodges-Ramon (@LH_Ramon25) <a href="https://twitter.com/LH_Ramon25/status/950715612526989312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Mastour became something of an internet sensation&quot;. The story of a fenomeno crowned too soon ✏<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GentlemanUltra</a> <a href="https://t.co/A3bjbNuUO3">https://t.co/A3bjbNuUO3</a> <a href="https://t.co/h5Fy9SZGXd">pic.twitter.com/h5Fy9SZGXd</a></p>&mdash; Voicing Football (@VoicingFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoicingFootball/status/950712913790160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hachim Mastour and Milan: the story of a fenomeno crowned too soon [<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a>] <a href="https://t.co/FuYyHCeqnp">https://t.co/FuYyHCeqnp</a></p>&mdash; Jordan Russell 9️⃣ (@JordRuss96) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordRuss96/status/951378984524185600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> gave us:<br><br>Hachim Mastour and Milan: the story of a fenomeno crowned too soon <a href="https://t.co/iB183hnxQL">https://t.co/iB183hnxQL</a></p>&mdash; The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/954065290253492227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The TGU Book Review: Il Re Calcio II 🖊️📖<br><br>Our columnist <a href="https://twitter.com/Dunlop85?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dunlop85</a> spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> about the second volume of his e-book series - a brilliant collection of short stories from the Italian game.<a href="https://t.co/DGoX6oBxEQ">https://t.co/DGoX6oBxEQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/kz1xz83g7X">pic.twitter.com/kz1xz83g7X</a></p>&mdash; The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/960451788188024832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICYMI: <a href="https://twitter.com/Dunlop85?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dunlop85</a> reviewed Volume II of the e-book series &#39;Il Re Calcio&#39;, including some exclusive insights from the author himself, <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a><a href="https://t.co/DGoX6oBxEQ">https://t.co/DGoX6oBxEQ</a></p>&mdash; The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/960989071316267010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The fall and rise of Parma by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paul_grech</a> in Pickles 14. Illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/edsonlovatto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edsonlovatto</a> &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/kyvgwzCbi9">https://t.co/kyvgwzCbi9</a> <a href="https://t.co/xz7h7bzQbI">pic.twitter.com/xz7h7bzQbI</a></p>&mdash; Pickles Magazine (@PicklesMagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/PicklesMagazine/status/974988899834580992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-32158267865575242022017-10-09T17:34:00.000+02:002017-11-04T17:36:02.741+01:00[Interview] A Creative MindFor book lovers there are few experiences as thrilling as walking into a book shop; the feeling of being surrounded by so many different reading possibilities can be intoxicating.&nbsp; Eventually, however, reality sets in and choices have to be made over which ones will be coming home with you.&nbsp; In that moment the decision is often swayed by one crucial factor: looks.<br /><br />It is in that moment of truth that Pierre Portelli wants to prevail.&nbsp;<br /><br />As a book designer he has to handle various aspects of a book’s production.&nbsp; “Together with the publishing team at Merlin, I am involved in most of the book production process,” he tells me “which includes the fonts used, paragraph spacing and overall layout.”&nbsp; All of which is important but nowhere close to the value of getting the book cover right.&nbsp; “Research shows that you don’t have minutes to convince a book buyer; people make their mind up within seconds of picking up a book.&nbsp; So we have to make something that stands out and convinces people.”<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>The full interview with Pierre Portelli can be found on <a href="http://www.snapshotsofmalta.com/2017/10/a-creative-mind.html">Snapshots of Malta</a>.</i></b>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-89131922943890438232017-09-08T08:06:00.001+02:002017-09-08T08:06:28.529+02:00[Interview] Creativity In Perpetual MotionThere is a huge and constant debate over creativity; how some people seem to have an imagination that brings forth countless new ideas whilst others struggle to do anything that is remotely original. &nbsp;Inevitably the attention of such a discussion turns to children who all seem naturally creative but eventually have that capacity educated out of them.<br /><br />Whether this is a discussion in which she has been involved before or not, Lisa Falzon puts forward an argument that is very much along those lines when she has to answer question over her development as an artist.<br /><br />“There was no spark of interest particular to me as if I was born with a special talent - all kids draw,” she states. &nbsp;“All children draw if given a set of crayons, one of the first thing they figure out is fun to do - after eating them - is using them to leave a mark somewhere. A lot of childhood play is based around make-believe and on-the-fly creativity and role playing.”<br /><br />She then goes on to turn the tables. &nbsp;“I just never grew out of this interest in self-expression. Instead of asking me why I draw I should ask you, why did you stop drawing?”<br /><br /><b><i>The full interview with Lisa Falzon can be found on <a href="http://www.snapshotsofmalta.com/2017/08/creativity-in-perpetual-motion.html">Snapshots of Malta</a>.</i></b>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-87407975992529422622017-07-31T23:30:00.000+02:002017-07-31T23:30:09.567+02:00[Interview] Writing for All Generations<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Have you ever seen those motivational posters that show an iceberg with the tip above water and the bulk beneath? &nbsp;It is a reference to the hard work that goes into any success story which most people never get to see. &nbsp;Perhaps unsurprisingly that was the image that came to my mind as Rita Saliba, one of Malta’s most prolific authors, was describing her writing process.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 12px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Whenever I’m writing, regardless of whether it is a full length novel or a short story,” she explains. &nbsp;“I have to do a lot of research. &nbsp;If I’m writing about someone who is into beekeeping then I have to learn about that hobby. &nbsp;So before I write that story I go out and research about beekeeping even if most of what I learn doesn’t make it into the story. &nbsp;That knowledge gives depth to the characters and that knowledge remains with you.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><i>The full interview with Rita Saliba can be read on <a href="http://www.snapshotsofmalta.com/2017/07/writing-for-all-generations.html">Snapshots of Malta</a>.</i></b></span>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-45923838139455894492017-06-30T23:59:00.000+02:002017-07-01T17:07:22.637+02:00[Featured Article] Twitter Feedback June 2017<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Great piece about a player who had so much potential</div>— Hugh Larkin (@Hughl60Hugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hughl60Hugh/status/870601357228683264">June 2, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Remember well when he first broke through, great player. Should have had a great career, terrible loss.</div>— Giancarlo Rinaldi (@ginkers) <a href="https://twitter.com/ginkers/status/870610515202101248">June 2, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Wonderful piece by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra">@GentlemanUltra</a> on Andrea Fortunato, who's life &amp; career was cut tragically short <a href="https://t.co/KXWBkSCYT9">https://t.co/KXWBkSCYT9</a></div>— Bardi (@BardiTFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BardiTFC/status/870620908297342976">June 2, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">I had no idea about this <a href="https://t.co/ECOJ6SVWhm">https://t.co/ECOJ6SVWhm</a></div>— mmmmmmm (@MarlonBowman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarlonBowman/status/870891247745019904">June 3, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">You do have a way with words, mate. This is an excellent, touching piece.</div>— Paquito (パキトー) - Ⓥ (@pakito_tweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/pakito_tweets/status/871315390340767745">June 4, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Wonderful tribute to Andrea Fortunato by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a>. <a href="https://t.co/qTlBsZWPdP">https://t.co/qTlBsZWPdP</a></div>— Paquito (パキトー) - Ⓥ (@pakito_tweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/pakito_tweets/status/871316211463847936">June 4, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope you find the story as engrossing and as moving as I did. Some of it is quite astonishing.</div>— David Bolchover (@DavidBolchover) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidBolchover/status/871798676150243329">June 5, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-86363575084654718592017-05-31T23:30:00.000+02:002017-06-05T18:43:49.785+02:00[Featured Article] Twitter Feedback May 2017<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Feyenoord are champions: first title since 99. Here is why: <a href="https://t.co/YNWBpKCFni">https://t.co/YNWBpKCFni</a> great article by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a></p>&mdash; Jim McDonald (@redjim73) <a href="https://twitter.com/redjim73/status/863768084842237954">May 14, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great read gaffer <a href="https://twitter.com/webblyhead">@webblyhead</a> <a href="https://t.co/6chTGMhjNt">https://t.co/6chTGMhjNt</a></p>&mdash; Kevin Simpson (@KevinSi53568559) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinSi53568559/status/864122133567459329">May 15, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-29934929410441465232017-05-21T00:30:00.000+02:002017-06-06T20:29:21.282+02:00[Interview] Fuzzhoneys in the UKNottingham went a bit Femmetastic last month as Maltese rock duo Fuzzhoneys took their unique blend of blues and rock to England – the latest leg of their tour after a successful concert held at the Salesian Theatre in March.<br /><br />“Femmetastic has been a word we have been using since the launch of CD Tal-Ġenn,” Caroline Spiteri, one half of the duo, said as she spoke about the name of the tour. “It stuck out for us and we wanted it to stick to us so much that we wrote a song to interpret what the word meant to us.”<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>For them, this trip was actually the third one abroad within the space of a few months, both a sign of their desire to expand their audience and of their growing confidence as musicians.<br /><br />Francesca Mercieca, the other half of the duo, picks it up: “Following our Italian gigs in October, we had been listing various options, venues as well as asking all the people I know that lived abroad on their local scene.”<br /><br />“We had been seeing options for a while until a friend of ours was in Malta for a few days, and when we met I couldn’t stop blabbering about Femmetastic. We asked if she wanted to come hear us for the rehearsal the next day and I mentioned it.”<br /><br />After that, everything started falling into place. “I had five days off my usual work life to plan a tour with Fuzzhoneys,” says Caroline. “We were lucky enough to have a good friend living in Nottingham who helped us book most of our shows as well as sort out our accommodation. Asking fellow Maltese musicians such as Kriz (of Beesqueeze fame) for more contacts, and even having musicians from the UK contacting us themselves helped us book the rest of the dates with gigs.”<br /><br />Foreign shows will always have a different kind of stress mixed with buzz<br /><br />“We set up the whole thing with good planning and dedication thanks to all the contacts and their support for the music,” Francesca says.<br /><br />The girls and their initiative grew into more than just planning their itinerary… collaborating on video with Jenny Mercieca for a promotion based in Nottingham, along with making the poster designs from scratch with Victoria Callus. The duo even had their own femmetastic roadies with Fran Borg and Victoria Callus on site through the whole trip – helping with merchandise, door entrance, equipment and surely providing glitter at all times.<br /><br />The hard work paid off with a series of gigs that won them a set of new fans. “It was excellent,” says Francesca. “I love how the crowd can change from beginning to midway of the gig when they are enjoying it.<br /><br />“The space affects too. If it closes early, people need to catch last buses and before you know it everyone’s disappeared! As a whole it’s really exciting because you never know what to expect.”<br />Caroline says: “Foreign shows will always have a different kind of stress mixed with buzz as you feel thankful to be going through such an adventure but at the same time you always fear that these unfami­liar faces would not accept you.<br /><br />“However, the feedback has always been a positive one and that makes the tour more worthwhile as your music is being heard and enjoyed. Having already experienced playing abroad (Malta Takes London in London and Karel Music Expo in Cagliari) we were less tense and more excited to be travelling together as a band again.”<br /><br />A relative novelty for them was taking part in a house concert when they performed an acoustic rendition of five of tracks in a friend’s living room. “It was funny and entertaining.”<br /><br />“There was a good mix of everything, including the merchandise stand in the kitchen, singing on the roof, and photo sessions by Ian Aquilina. The whole thing was good fun,” Francesca says.<br /><br />The concept of house concerts – where people host musicians in their homes for intimate concerts – is one that is gaining in popula­rity both in America and across Europe. Could it be likewise in Malta? Caroline is not that hopeful. “Anyone can hold a party in their house until the neighbours start complaining and call the police to stop you.” Francesca says: “Any concept for more venues is good.”<br /><br />“It would be better if it’s a farmhouse, a rooftop or a big van of some sort – maybe even during the day. What we need is people who host their flat or home.<br /><br />“It was fun that it was a good mix and they weren’t all intimate or too quiet just because they were acoustic and it started around six in the evening. Fuzz on!”<br /><a href="https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170521/arts-entertainment/fuzzhoneys-in-the-uk.648628"><br /></a><a href="https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170521/arts-entertainment/fuzzhoneys-in-the-uk.648628">This article originally appeared on the Times of Malta on the 21st of May 2017</a>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-28752619654825703282017-04-30T23:59:00.000+02:002017-05-08T20:57:22.223+02:00[Featured Article] Twitter Feedback April 2017<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">ICYMI: Paul asked some of the best goalkeeping questions I've ever been asked. <a href="https://t.co/A9cTYOhb0K">https://t.co/A9cTYOhb0K</a></div>— Justin Bryant (@Keepers_Union) <a href="https://twitter.com/Keepers_Union/status/854672060513218561">April 19, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachtonymee">@coachtonymee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/webblyhead">@webblyhead</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterPrickett">@PeterPrickett</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/timlees10">@timlees10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyHenderson">@JonnyHenderson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GavLevey">@GavLevey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TPiMBW">@TPiMBW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ground_guru">@ground_guru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Completekeeper">@Completekeeper</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LouisLancs">@LouisLancs</a> Enjoyed this read, particularly the elements of the mental side &amp; this quote! <a href="https://t.co/eJ4fWhKOGo">pic.twitter.com/eJ4fWhKOGo</a></p>&mdash; Andy (@andyjw10) <a href="https://twitter.com/andyjw10/status/857147614411837440">April 26, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Technique is everything! <a href="https://t.co/IGW9bXqGTn">https://t.co/IGW9bXqGTn</a></p>&mdash; Mitchell Sowerby (@msowerby94) <a href="https://twitter.com/msowerby94/status/860246759758495744">May 4, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-14919567042801496812017-04-18T20:50:00.000+02:002017-05-08T20:51:51.183+02:00[Interview] A Goalkeeper's Life: Influence, Anxiety & NormalityMost often what people remember of goalkeepers is their mistakes. &nbsp;Of all the positions in the game of football it is undeniably the harshest because one error can overshadow all the good work that one might do through the rest of the ninety minutes. <br /><br />And yet, for those called to the role, there is nothing better. &nbsp; “I wanted a better chance to influence whether my team won or lost,” says Justin Bryant a former professional goalkeeper, current goalkeeper coach and author of the book 'Small Time: A Life in the Football Wilderness.'<br /><br />”When I was a young player, I got tired of losing games because whoever had reluctantly gone in goal kept letting the ball dribble through his hands. After that happened two or three times, I volunteered, and never looked back.”<br /><br />The full interview can be read on <a href="http://www.blueprintforfootball.com/2017/04/a-goalkeepers-life-influence-anxiety.html">Blueprint for Football</a>.Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-55628566845775774932017-03-31T23:59:00.000+02:002017-04-11T20:21:12.424+02:00[Featured Article] Twitter Feedback March 2017<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great read, one that all Academy coaches would, no doubt, support. <a href="https://t.co/Zy9bhmiEiu">https://t.co/Zy9bhmiEiu</a></p>&mdash; Tony Mee (@coachtonymee) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachtonymee/status/839976736037150720">March 9, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting read. Bias in favour of experience over ability. Putting faith in young players/coaches can reap huge reward! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeapOfFaith?src=hash">#LeapOfFaith</a> <a href="https://t.co/8KykYhChpL">https://t.co/8KykYhChpL</a></p>&mdash; Keelan Hamilton (@KeelanHamilton7) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeelanHamilton7/status/839986857903509504">March 9, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Duffy1867">@Duffy1867</a> this may be of interest to you. <a href="https://t.co/Dho0qmiztB">https://t.co/Dho0qmiztB</a></p>&mdash; Mike Leigh (@MikeyRaveyGravy) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeyRaveyGravy/status/840823225827368960">March 12, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/Mjw6BuPuR2">https://t.co/Mjw6BuPuR2</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDILH0aiOs">pic.twitter.com/WDILH0aiOs</a></p>&mdash; Steve Bonello (@ummima1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ummima1/status/841758554524639238">March 14, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-91808973845132726072017-03-27T20:13:00.000+02:002017-04-11T20:13:56.309+02:00[Interview] A Passion For Technical CoachingThree years ago I spoke to Ben Trinder about his blueprint for the game. &nbsp;At the time he was still relatively early in his coaching journey but had delivered an important tool to coaches worldwide with the establishment of the Coaching Family twitter feed. &nbsp;That is still going strong (there are now more than 50,000 followers) and, happily, so too is Ben himself although time and experience have helped shape his views even further.<br /><a href="http://www.blueprintforfootball.com/2017/03/a-passion-for-technical-coaching.html"><br /></a><a href="http://www.blueprintforfootball.com/2017/03/a-passion-for-technical-coaching.html">The full interview can be read on Blueprint for Football.</a>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-19736055541930148332017-03-27T20:05:00.000+02:002017-04-11T20:05:44.434+02:00[Interview] The Training Requires Disciplines and FocusAthletics, like a lot of so-called secondary sports, faces a constant struggle against the behemoth that is football. &nbsp;Boys and, increasingly, girls are more likely to pick the sport which they see most frequently being relayed on televisions - football - than anything else regardless of where their talent truly lies.<br /><br />Sometimes, however, they make a different choice. &nbsp;Dario Mangion is a case in point although his story is not that straightforward.<br /><a href="http://www.snapshotsofmalta.com/2017/03/the-training-requires-discipline-and.html"><br /></a><a href="http://www.snapshotsofmalta.com/2017/03/the-training-requires-discipline-and.html">The full article can be read on Snapshots of Malta.</a>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-66293193382192515612017-03-26T20:10:00.000+02:002017-04-11T20:22:52.611+02:00[Featured Article] Fusing fine art and documentationOne of the best aspects of good art is that it forces you to think about different ideas. Artists can capture various thoughts and present them in a manner that challenges conventional thinking. Sometimes that process can be assisted by bringing in outside influences who, through their unfamiliarity with the scenery, can result in fresh ways of looking at things.<br /><br />It is this belief that has resulted in the Blitz Residency Programme. “It was created to facilitate a long-term, international artistic cultural ex­change, while fortifying our role as cultural incubator and advocate organisation for contemporary art practice in Malta,” explains Nicole Bearman, programme director at the Valletta-based art space Blitz.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />“Local engagement is integral to every incoming residency, taking the form of meetings, open studio days, workshops and talks for a local community of artists, researchers, educators, professionals and students. Invited residents are given a dedicated live/work space within the Blitz building. Our objective is to invite artists working across creative fields in a range of media, including (but not limited to) film, photography, performance, sound, immersive installation and digital platforms.”<br /><br />The latest recipient of this residency programme was Nikolas Ventourakis, a visual artist with a photography practice who fuses fine art and documentation. His time in Malta came to an end at the start of March but the resulting work of his stay could up till recently be seen in the form of an exhibition titled Rituals For Our Safety.<br /><br />“I am interested in notions of safety. How opposite and contradictory visions of safe spaces are part of contemporary political discourse and end up being a matter of belief.<br /><br />“From personal rituals that we create in order to make ourselves feel safe – for example, the kid tucking its feet inside the duvet so that the edges are not exposed, or a person with fear of flying making sure that he or she is not awake to experience the flight – to wider reactions of States and societies towards perceived dangers that lead to events like the recent Muslim bans in the US and the proposal for the construction of a border wall,” he said, detailing how the whole concept behind the exhibition came about.<br /><br />A very topical subject that was intelligently exposed through photography, projections and installations<br /><br />“Manifestations of our beliefs and the actions that are taken to support those beliefs are hammered in by politicians, institutions as well as large portions of the population.”<br /><br />As is easy to appreciate, it is a very topical subject that was intelligently exposed through photography, projections and installations that tend to focus on mundane expressions of the idea of safety. Despite the everyday nature of the objects that he captures, there is a lot of thought behind each image.<br /><br />“It is true that I have a close relationship with that which might be called the mundane. However, I do not consider it to actually be mundane in the sense that I focus on something that is uninteresting. There is much to see and deduce from situations, places, items that we normally disregarded.<br /><br />“Reading many history books, I came across many similarities between Malta and Cyprus, an island that was central to my pro­ject Defining Lines. Both are large Mediterranean island States that have been influenced by an array of civilisations. From Greeks, to Romans, to Arabs, Muslims and westerners, from medieval times to the modern era, the island historical continuity is a series of abrupt changes and an amalgamation of people and traditions in a restricted space.”<br /><br />“Although the residency is short, I immediately felt I could have the ambition to intertwine my praxis with material and influences from my experience of being physically on the island,” Nikolas continues. “That means that when I was conducting my initial research, I was looking for elements that are supplemental to my other projects.<br /><br />“It was a serendipitous discovery to learn that the root of the name of Malta is ambiguous and one of the suggested etymologies included the word “safe”, something that linked my research to another project I had been developing in recent years.<br /><br />“Still, safety was a very abstract concept to grab till I came to Malta and it turned out being the centre of many narratives that people I met, consciously or unconsciously, shared with me.”<br />Nikolas’ final body work is one that required an outsider’s reflections to come about; which is precisely what the whole project is about. Bearman picks up the conversation once again:<br />“The residency programme aims to create a sustainable network for artistic exchange, between artists and other professionals, as well as galleries and other artist-run organisations.”<br /><br />“That is the legacy of a residency programme. Relationships are formed and dialogue expands. It exposes Malta to new artists and ways of working and thinking, while placing Malta firmly in an international art context.”<br /><div><a href="http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170326/arts-entertainment/fusing-fine-art-and-documentation.643586"><br /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170326/arts-entertainment/fusing-fine-art-and-documentation.643586">This article first appeared on the Times of Malta on the 26th of March 2017</a></div>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-27911782650883092702017-03-25T20:15:00.000+01:002017-04-11T20:23:11.263+02:00[Blogging] Books As The Antidote<div>The term “fake news” is ubiquitous these days. Everyone has heard it and we’ve started peppering our conversations with it too. Occasionally we’ve even started believing this fake news business too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, this is nothing new. A look at history books confirms this. For one thing, history is written by the victors and these tend to be a bit economic with the facts which don’t exactly paint them in a glorious light. &nbsp;An examination of the propaganda output preceding and during World War II also reveals a shocking amount of mistruth.</div><div><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div>What is perhaps an advantage today is that people have the biggest encyclopaedia humanity has ever seen - the internet - which can help them determine whether something is real or not. However, at times readers still believe preposterous news items – simply for the reason that they would reinforce their own view of the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>This tendency to believe only what we want to believe is a symptom of the overall lack of desire to really challenge our own views. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Reading can fight that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Books allow you to visit new worlds, meet different cultures and better understand divergent ideas. Books help us to see that perhaps, what we think is right, is not right for everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously this also depends on what you read. George Orwell’s 1984 is a classic that everyone should be familiar with (especially now) because it examines the dangers of a totalitarian regime.</div><div><br /></div><div>The same goes for Maragaret Arwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale which is another brilliant examination of a society ruled by a totalitarian regime. Also, anything written by Kurt Vonnegut is brilliant and poignant: he is undoubtedly one of my best discoveries of the past few months.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the younger generation, there’s the Hunger Games trilogy and other young-adult dystopian fantasies that have ridden on its success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Talking of younger audiences, it is impossible not to mention the Harry Potter series that is littered with examples showing up those who very clearly do not want to share their world with anyone who is not as ‘pure’ as they are. Less well known is Wonder by R. J. Palacio, which is a book about a boy with a facial deformity who starts going to school for the first time in his life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then are the more biting – adult oriented – books that put the reader into direct contact with other realities. I Am Malala, for instance, which talks about life under the Taliban and the repercussions of standing up to them. Or Between The World And Me where American writer Ta-Nehasi Coates talks about being black in America. &nbsp;There is then Censoring an Iranian Love Story by Shahriar Mandanipour, a beautifully written novel that examines the heavy censorship that people have to live with in Iran.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are all books that either examine the present for people living outside our cosy bubble, or about a very possible future.</div><div><br /></div><div>My parting recommendation shall be &nbsp;Dave Eggers’ The Circle. The storyline is set in a world where people willingly expose every aspect of themselves on social media and is an insight into what happens when there too much unfiltered reality out there. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The scariest part is that we are not too far away from that.</div><div><a href="http://merlinpublishers.tumblr.com/post/158817870993/books-as-the-antidote"><br /></a></div><div><a href="http://merlinpublishers.tumblr.com/post/158817870993/books-as-the-antidote">This article originally appeared on the Merlin Publishers' blog on the 25th of March 2017</a></div>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497736167850349539.post-16762769428234534472017-02-28T20:06:00.002+01:002017-02-28T20:08:00.684+01:00[Featured Article] Twitter Feedback November 2016 till February 2017<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Must ready this <a href="https://twitter.com/manopolking">@manopolking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lpviegas">@lpviegas</a> <a href="https://t.co/qmUgLGiNeE">https://t.co/qmUgLGiNeE</a></div>— valdir bardi (@bardigkcoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/bardigkcoach/status/813651703979393024">December 27, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a> Amazing story. Thanks for sharing.</div>— billshankly (@williamshankly) <a href="https://twitter.com/williamshankly/status/814194345075240960">December 28, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Another great read <a href="https://t.co/JcddnBRwNb">https://t.co/JcddnBRwNb</a></div>— Vishal (@Ebaah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ebaah/status/814425011561738241">December 29, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Hockey and soccer are very closely related and here is more evidence <a href="https://t.co/9NW4VicPIC">https://t.co/9NW4VicPIC</a></div>— Justin Murray (@ShawvilleMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShawvilleMurray/status/814545411297972224">December 29, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Just read through my part in this. A lot changes in a few years!! ⚽👊🏼 <a href="https://t.co/7v0Hm8mWjB">https://t.co/7v0Hm8mWjB</a></div>— ⚽Learning The Game⚽ (@LTGfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/LTGfootball/status/824380024811880448">January 25, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, I would like to share with you the story of Ferdinando Valletti, by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a>.<a href="https://t.co/qb8j8pjzDu">https://t.co/qb8j8pjzDu</a> <a href="https://t.co/X2hxOK7eum">pic.twitter.com/X2hxOK7eum</a></div>— Franco Ficetola (@Franco92C14) <a href="https://twitter.com/Franco92C14/status/825075095207047168">January 27, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">From the San Siro to Gusen. Writer <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a> tells the story of Ferdinando Valletti. <a href="https://t.co/Sjf2YNLfW5">https://t.co/Sjf2YNLfW5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HolocaustRemembrance?src=hash">#HolocaustRemembrance</a></div>— Matthew Santangelo (@Matt_Santangelo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Santangelo/status/825075299842981889">January 27, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">From the San Siro to Gusen. <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a> tells the story of Ferdinando Valletti. <a href="https://t.co/t3UFIEKnwR">https://t.co/t3UFIEKnwR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HolocaustRemembrance?src=hash">#HolocaustRemembrance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/acmilan">@acmilan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWwcPsusXB">pic.twitter.com/mWwcPsusXB</a></div>— Milan Brothers (@ACMilanBros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACMilanBros/status/825076227962728448">January 27, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">24 hours on from Barcelona's stuffing in Paris .<a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@Paul_Grech</a> looks at the problems at La Masia: from Issue 13 of TFP <a href="https://t.co/WTduu51rP2">https://t.co/WTduu51rP2</a></div>— The Football Pink (@TheFootballPink) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFootballPink/status/831977151251505159">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Worth a look. Bedtime reading. <a href="https://t.co/qVrCt85Wve">https://t.co/qVrCt85Wve</a></div>— Brighton Futsal (@BrightonFutsal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrightonFutsal/status/833449472109793280">February 19, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks Paul for your interest in me and your passion for football <a href="https://t.co/IIWAGYSjJn">https://t.co/IIWAGYSjJn</a></div>— Ismael Díaz Galán (@Ismael_dg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ismael_dg/status/833989927272595457">February 21, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Fine work by <a href="https://twitter.com/paul_grech">@paul_grech</a> on the story of Antonio Sibilia; the Commendatore who took Avellino to Serie A - albeit not w/out usual controversy <a href="https://t.co/UhacuUdWed">pic.twitter.com/UhacuUdWed</a></div>— The Gentleman Ultra (@GentlemanUltra) <a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanUltra/status/834302615609602048">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Paul Grechhttps://plus.google.com/109894511996235733637noreply@blogger.com0